SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS IN KYRGYZ REPUBLIC: A NATIONAL CASE STUDY ON GENDER EQUALITY AND WOMEN EMPOWERMENT POLICIES

Among 17 Sustainable Development Goals established by the United Nations in 2015, the fifth concerns gender equality. The official statement of the goal is: “Achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls” (UN, 2015). In the Global South region, the goal is gradually spreading, meanwhile reaching progress and facing challenges. Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right, but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world (UN, 2020). The significant role of women, necessity for their full and equal participation in decision-making, leadership and competence are vital for developing societies in a sustainable way. Therefore, this paper aims to study the progress of gender equality and women empowerment policies in Kyrgyz Republic. First, the research provides the context on women's role, gender relations, facts and figures on the issues women face daily. Then the detailed research will focus on the state's legal and policy approach as well as on institutional gender mechanisms.